Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship

University of California; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons University in Boston seeks a Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship to lead long‑range and short‑term planning for donor efforts and team management. You will oversee recognition, reporting, and stewardship programs, shaping personalized engagement for major donors and coordinating with advancement communications.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in donor relations, plus experience with stewardship practices and fundraising software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and 10+ years in donor relations or related Advancement roles.
• Knowledge of current donor relations and stewardship practices and software tools.
• Experience creating high‑level cultivation and stewardship strategies and donor experiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee donor recognition, acknowledgement, reporting, and stewardship for gifts.
• Develop policies, standards, templates, processes for donor stewardship.
• Partner on communications plans and prepare stewardship materials.
• Lead stewardship events for top donors and prospects.
• Utilize Raiser's Edge/NXT and tools to craft personalized touchpoints.

Skills

Donor relations

Stewardship programs

Strategic planning

Leadership

Policy development

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge/NXT

ThankView

StoryRaise

Gratavid

Job description

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six‑school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high‑value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice‑oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under‑represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship (“Director”) leads the development and execution of the long‑range and short‑term strategic planning for the donor relations and stewardship functions including the acknowledgement process, stewardship reporting, donor recognition programs and events, as well as additional related efforts. In addition, the Director will oversee the Donor Relations and Stewardship team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Oversee all aspects of donor recognition, acknowledgement, reporting, and stewardship of all philanthropic gifts designed to strengthen retention, engagement, and long‑term philanthropic investment, including personalized stewardship strategies for the University’s most generous donors.
• In collaboration with Advancement colleagues, create and manage policies, standards, templates, processes, and protocols for donor acknowledgement and recognition, stewardship of gifts, stewardship reporting, and fund reporting.
• Together with the Associate Vice President of Advancement and the Director of Advancement Communications, serve as a strategic partner on the execution of robust communications plans around gift recognition, and the drafting and dissemination of relevant, compelling stewardship materials.
• Establish and execute stewardship plans for key pipeline‑building groups, such as recurring gift donors, new donors, unassigned donors, under $1,000 donors, and disillusioned lapsed donors.
• In collaboration with university‑wide colleagues, conceive of and manage stewardship events for top donors and prospects.
• Leverage fundraising software, such as Raiser’s Edge/NXT, and communication tools, such as ThankView, StoryRaise, or Gratavid, to craft unique and personalized touchpoints for top‑level prospects/major gifts donors.
• Provide strategic leadership within Advancement and across campus with a focus on developing and enhancing processes and systems to achieve optimal experience for all donors.
• Serve as a member of the Advancement Leadership Group and manage and mentor the Assistant Director of Donor Relations and student workers.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of job related experience in donor relations or related Advancement functions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current donor relations and stewardship practices and software tools.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and implementing high‑level cultivation and stewardship strategies and meaningful donor experiences.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal communication skills, with donor centric writing experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience in donor relations and stewardship teams, preferably in higher education sector.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully managing cross‑functional initiatives.
• History of success developing and managing stewardship relationships with major donors, prospects, or clients.
• Interest and passion for the Simmons University mission and values.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to handle multiple deadlines at one time.
• Ability to be flexible with workload and priorities, as needed.
• Ability to use discretion in working with confidential and sensitive data.
• Demonstrated problem solving, analytical, and strategic decision‑making skills.
• Customer service-oriented approach.
• Commitment to a collaborative, team‑based approach.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

On-campus or Hybrid eligibility 12 months position 40 hours per week Office environment Essential physical requirements include sitting at desk, working on a laptop or computer Physical effort/lifting: sedentary - up to 10 pounds May be required to work on weekends or nights, as needed

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. The hourly or annual salary range for this position is: S10$78,900.00 - $130,600.00 This is a benefits‑eligible position. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work‑life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Location

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University is a small, private, non‑sectarian University which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission‑driven community of educators and professionals. We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example — sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.

Simmons News

Simmons News